What No One Tells You About High Expectations

 

I remember back in my school days (and yes it was a few decades ago!) That I was told to work hard, to push myself to achieve higher results. The expectation seemed to be that I would always score highly in exams and that of course, I wouldn’t let my, teachers and parents, down.

 

Then I’d be rewarded with praise and validation, which made me want to achieve even more.

 

 

 

What I didn’t know at the time, was that having those high expectations. Whether they were my standards or expectations that I assumed others had of me, they were setting me up to fail.

 

Nobody can achieve perfect results or even extremely high expectations all the time. We are only human. That means at some point I would fail and experience my own and others disappointment. Something, I wasn’t used to or prepared for.

That doesn’t mean you should stop striving for goals or growing and learning.

 

 

It does mean, that the expectations you set yourself need to have a reality check.

 

It was thought that being a perfectionist drives you to deliver great work and achieve career success up to a certain level. At that point, visibility and confidence are more important and the procrastination and long delivery timescales can hold you back.

 

Studies have now shown that in fact, perfectionism doesn’t help you in your career at all.

 

Non-perfectionists can deliver at the same high standard as their detail focused colleagues. In fact, they also do it more productively as they’re not held back by procrastination, a fear of failure or spending extra time crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s.

 

That means that while you as a perfectionist spend time with your head down at your desk, worrying whether your work is good enough. Colleagues are building relationships, sharing successes and being visible. All the important elements for career progression.

 

I suggest you start to consider your expectations

Are they realistic, would you expect them of others and do they hold you back?

 

Ask yourself, what expectations a colleague or boss would have of your job role? Do they need your level of delivery or do you push yourself to that standard to feel secure and validated?

 

Instead, try setting more realistic goals for yourself, then if you exceed them it’s a bonus. That will give you time and energy to focus on self-promotion and relationship building.

 

Perfectionism is one of the subjects I cover in my book GOOD ENOUGH – A Career Woman’s Guide To Confidence, Courage and Credibility. It’s available for pre-ordering for the next 21 days only!

 

Get your copy here www.goodenoughcareer.co.uk

 

You’ll also see bonus packages there. These offer you the chance to get a programme with me for LESS than half price!!

 

For example, by buying 75 books at a cost of £1142 you will not only get an acknowledgement in the book but also my 4-MONTH CAREER TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME – Usual price £2500!!!

I’d really appreciate it if you would share my page on social media and with colleagues and friends.

Thanks

Jo x